6/15/2010 @ 1:30PM

In Pictures: Foursquare's Playful Designs

Virtual Badges

Much of Foursquare’s appeal lies in the ability to earn virtual badges by checking in to certain venues. Foursquare’s lead designer, Mari Sheibley, creates all the site’s “regular” badges (meaning those that are not branded or sponsored badges). Inspired by Boy Scout merit badges, they feature simple icons and distinctive borders. (Badges, from top to bottom, L-R: Super Mayor, Karaoke RV!, Douchebag, Jet Setter, Newbie, Foursquare Day, Crunked!, Swarm and Local.)